v. Function: verb
1
Synonyms: ASCEND 1, climb, escalade, mount, scale, upclimb, upgo
2 to increase in extent, volume, amount, number, intensity, or scope FF1C; a little war threatens to escalate into a huge, ugly one FF1E;
Synonyms: expand, grow
Related Words: broaden, enlarge, heighten, increase, intensify, spread, widen
Contrasted Words: decrease, limit, minimize; constrict, contract, narrow; collapse, shrink, shrivel
Antonyms: de-escalate